“So? And what does Jermyn consist of?”
“Eh? Ah, I see. Himself and a niece.”
“What sort of a niece?”
“Hideous,” cut in Hazel.
“Really, I can’t allow that sort of libel to pass, even for a joke,” said Mrs Upward. “She isn’t hideous at all. Some people admire her immensely.”
“Pff!” ejaculated Lily, tip tilting her nose in withering scorn. “Too black.”
“Mr Campian likes them that way,” cackled Hazel. “At least, he used to,” added this imp, with a meaning look across the table at Nesta. “I was only humbugging. She isn’t really hideous. We’ll ride over too, eh, Lil?”
“No, you won’t—not much,” retorted Upward decisively. “You two are a precious deal too fond of running wild as it is, and you can just stay at home for once. Besides, we don’t want you at all. We may take on some chikór on the way, or start after some from Jermyn’s. Shall you be ready in half an hour, Campian?”
The latter replied in the affirmative, and they rose from the table. While they were preparing to start, he observed Nesta standing alone under the trees.
“Well, Nessita, and of what art thou thinking?” he said, coming behind her unnoticed. She started.